Installing a charging station at home? Here’s what you need to know!

1. Check whether you can install a charging station and choose the right location

Not every home is automatically suitable for a charging station. Do you live in a terraced house without a driveway or garage? Then it is usually not allowed to run a cable across the sidewalk, which makes home charging more difficult. If you have an apartment, it is best to first ask permission from the association of co-owners. That way you know for sure what is possible and avoid discussions afterwards. If you can install a charging station, choose a spot where you can park your car easily and where the station is close enough to the vehicle so you can connect the charging cable without hassle. Also think about how you usually park: facing forward or backward, as this partly determines where it is best to place the station, for example in the garage or on the driveway.

2. Take into account the location of your fuse box

A second factor to consider when deciding on the location of your charging station is the fuse box. It should not only be easily accessible for maintenance and safety, but the distance between your charging station and the box also affects installation costs, because a cable needs to be laid. The farther the cable has to be run, the higher the cost. Ideally, that distance remains around ten meters, so installation costs stay limited and less breaking or digging work is required, for example on your driveway. Do not forget that a charging station requires a separate branch and its own circuit in your fuse box. This prevents overload and keeps your installation safe and stable.

3. Check what your electrical installation can handle

To charge your electric car smoothly at home, it is best to check whether your home network can handle sufficient power. In most cases, this means a connection of 230 volts and 32 amps, but you should verify this with your grid operator first. This allows you to charge at a rate of about 30 to 40 kilometers of driving range per hour. Do you use many appliances at home that consume electricity at the same time, such as a heat pump? Then it may be necessary to adjust your installation.

If you want faster charging, you can switch to a three-phase connection of 400 volts. This increases charging capacity, but usually also requires an upgrade of your connection and involves additional costs. Also take into account the capacity tariff. A heavier connection and higher charging power can lead to higher peak consumption, which can increase your grid fees. Therefore, seek proper advice based on your home and your car, so you choose a solution that fits your situation.

4. Protect your charging station from weather and wind

Weather conditions have more impact on your charging station than you might think. Extreme temperatures in particular play a major role: in severe cold or heat, charging capacity can drop noticeably. Temperatures below -10°C or above 40°C can even slow charging down by half. Rain and snow mainly affect safety and how easy it is to charge. Therefore, preferably install your charging station in a sheltered place, such as in a garage or under a carport. This protects your installation, helps it perform better, and also extends its lifespan.

5. Register your charging point and inform your insurer

Since June 2021, you must register every private charging point with your grid operator. This information helps keep the electricity grid balanced and prevents overload. In Flanders, you do this via Fluvius; in Brussels via Sibelga; and in Wallonia via ORES, RESA, AIEG, AIESH or REW. Charging points installed before June 2021 must also still be registered. In addition, inform your fire insurance provider. That way, you can be sure that your charging station is correctly included in your policy.